asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that local authority expenditure on housing maintenance and management has risen from £14.97 million in 1976 to £22.18 million in 1978; if he will indicate the figure for 1979; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - Local Authority Houses .
300.
: I am so aware. Figures supplied to my Department by local authorities indicate that expenditure on the maintenance and management of their rented estates amounted to £29.9 million in 1979. Local authorities are responsible for the maintenance and management of their rented estates and for this purpose may retain all rental income and a proportion of the proceeds of sales of their houses. While the increase in costs is substantial, I am not inclined to be critical because I consider that adequate management and maintenance is important and I continue to get complaints about their level in some areas.